The "magic number" of previous partners that is generally considered socially acceptable is around 1-3 for most people.

Having significantly more than that may raise eyebrows.

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Gender norms still play a role, with women often being judged more harshly for having a higher "body count" than men in some social circles.

The quality and nature of the previous relationships matter more than just the raw number.

Abusive or highly contentious exes are viewed more negatively than amicable breakups.

Frequent communication with exes, even in a "just friends" capacity, can be a red flag for some potential partners concerned about unresolved emotional attachments.

Relationship "recycling" - repeatedly getting back together with the same ex - is often seen as a worrying pattern by outsiders, even if the couple involved feels it works for them.

Surprisingly, having no exes at all can also raise suspicion in some cases, as it may signal inexperience, immaturity, or an unwillingness to commit.

Cultural norms play a big role, with some societies being more accepting of a higher "body count" than others.

This can lead to differing expectations.

Occupation and socioeconomic status may influence perceptions, with higher-status individuals sometimes getting more "passes" on their romantic histories.

Age is a factor, with younger adults often being given more leeway on their number of exes compared to those in their 30s or beyond who may be seeking more stability.

Personality traits like openness, extroversion, and sensation-seeking have been linked to having more sexual partners over a lifetime.

Trauma, mental health struggles, and addictions can also contribute to relationship instability and a higher number of exes for some individuals.

There is no universally agreed upon "cut-off" number, as perceptions tend to be highly subjective and contextual rather than absolute.